There’s an
interesting "pedigree" to a Series 1918 Federal
Reserve $2 note (Fr. 776) recently certified 58
PPQ by PCGS Currency. It has the unusual serial
number, K9A, and a specially-worded
encapsulation insert prepared for this note
honors a fondly-remembered canine pet.

"She was a very, very loving dog and an
excellent watchdog. If you were sick or not
feeling well, Cujo had this motherly thing about
her where she would lay in bed with you until
you felt better, even for days at a time. She
was the most loyal dog I have ever known," said
the note’s owner, Brian Smith of U.S. Currency
Sales in Palos Verdes Peninsula, California. He
purchased it not long after the death of his
mixed shepherd dog.

"When Cujo passed away in 2001 I purchased this
note because I thought the serial number, K9,
was perfect for the memory of my canine. The
portrait of a battleship on the reverse of the
note symbolizes the strength Cujo possessed.

There’s
another interesting connection between the note
and Cujo.

"Two years or so after getting the note and
admiring it one day I noticed the date on it,
May 18, 1914. I instantly got a chill because
May 18 is the same date that Cujo passed away in
2001. It was so freaky that I had purchased this
note in memory of her, and the actual month and
day of her passing are printed on it," said
Smith.

"PCGS Currency added the special pedigree for
Mr. Smith as acknowledgement that the note does
indeed deserve special recognition," said Jason
W. Bradford, PCGS Currency President.

"While we typically only add pedigree notations
for outstanding collections or notes with
historical significance, the pedigree service
was designed to also recognize special notes
with personal significance. We often get
requests for pedigrees to be added, and although
we carefully screen those requests and approve
them only when deemed appropriate – for example,
not for dealer’s inventory stock. We offer this
service for only a nominal fee in addition to
our normal grading fee."